How do I Reduce Under Eye Wrinkles?

Under eye wrinkles, like any kind of wrinkles, come with age. They can also appear worse when a person is tired or dehydrated. Some basic ways to reduce their appearance are to get enough rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid diuretics like alcohol and caffeine that take moisture out of the body. Adding extra moisture to the skin by putting cucumber slices over the eyes or applying moisturizer may also help reduce the appearance of under eye wrinkles.

Anti-wrinkle treatments like creams and gels can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, although temporarily. Many of these products claim to work by supporting the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen and elastin are proteins that maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin, and as a person ages, they break down faster than they are replaced. This causes the skin to sag and show wrinkles.

Another way to reduce under eye wrinkles is through laser skin treatment. This stimulates collagen and elastin formation by forming tiny wounds in the skin that trigger healing. It is targeted to specific areas of the face, so healing is quicker than it would be if larger areas were treated. The effects of anti-wrinkle creams and laser treatments are temporary and will wear off when a person discontinues treatment, although laser treatments usually last longer than creams.

The repeated contraction of facial muscles also contributes to wrinkles under the eyes. Wrinkles around the eyes that appear when a person smiles, known as crows feet, can be reduced by treatment with botulinum toxin. When injected into the skin, botulinum toxin, marketed as Botox®, prevents facial muscles from contracting, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Botox® treatments are also temporary, and must be repeated every few months to be effective.

Perhaps the best way to reduce under eye wrinkles is to prevent new wrinkles from forming. Smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, and sun exposure all contribute to wrinkle formation. Pulling the skin under the eye can also cause wrinkles. Aging skin is less resilient to injury, and excessive rubbing can actually damage the skin. Pat, do not rub, the skin dry after washing, and touch the eye area sparingly.

A final way to reduce the appearance of under eye wrinkles is to use cosmetics sparingly. Foundation and powder can actually accentuate wrinkles, especially in harsh light. Using less makeup in the eye area will not emphasize existing wrinkles.